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While electric vehicles (EVs) are celebrated for producing zero tailpipe emissions, concerns over non-exhaust emissions from brake and tire wear remain. New research from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) highlights that EVs, under specific driving conditions, generate less particulate pollution than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, offering additional environmental benefits beyond their exhaust-free design.
Key Highlights:
- EVs are 40% heavier than gasoline vehicles, affecting brake and tire wear.
- VTTI’s INTEGRATION software was used to model brake and tire particulate emissions.
- EVs emit less non-exhaust pollution in traffic, but more when roads are clear.
- Regenerative braking significantly reduces brake emissions by limiting traditional brake pad use.
- Research findings were presented at the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting.
The study, published in Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, was led by Hesham Rakha, Director of VTTI’s Center of Sustainable Mobility, alongside Mohamed Farag and Hosein Foroutan. The team analyzed 24 vehicles—including electric, gasoline, and hybrid models—across three EPA drive cycles: city driving, highway driving, and high-acceleration aggressive driving.
The research revealed that EVs produce fewer non-exhaust emissions when driving in heavier traffic. However, in lighter traffic conditions, the trend reverses, with EVs emitting more particulate pollution due to their increased weight. The study concluded that if at least 15% of driving takes place in urban environments, EVs outperform gasoline-powered vehicles in terms of non-exhaust emissions.
A standout finding was the environmental advantage offered by regenerative braking. By utilizing the electric motor to slow the vehicle, regenerative braking reduces brake pad wear and, consequently, brake dust emissions—a key benefit for air quality, especially in urban areas.
“The model that we developed proved that battery electric vehicles, in the right conditions, have more environmental advantages,” said Rakha. “The hope is for this tool to inform strategies that could reduce overall vehicular pollution and promote sustainable transportation solutions.”
Rakha highlighted that integrating these models into simulation software, like VTTI’s INTEGRATION, allows policymakers and transportation planners to better evaluate and manage vehicular emissions at the city and regional levels.
This research was also presented at the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting in January, contributing valuable insights into the evolving discussion around EV sustainability and their impact on air quality.
You can find more details and the original study HERE.
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